The NY City vigil was the headliner in a series of public steps taken in the region to show support for the people of Paris, still reeling from the carnage at restaurants, a music venue and a soccer stadium. The November 26-29, 2008 attack, in which ten terrorists killed 164 and wounded more than 300, left the vibrant Indian city paralysed.
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Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks, which were the worst violence in Paris since the Second World War and the deadliest terror attack in Europe since the 2004 Madrid train bombing.
More than 1,000 people, many of them French, descended upon Washington Square Park Saturday afternoon for a vigil in honor of the victims of the terror attacks in Paris. At times the crowd transformed into a sea of light as hundreds simultaneously held up mobile phones and candles as they sang France’s national anthem and chanted the French motto “Liberte, egalite, fraternite”.
At one point, the vigil stood silent listening to a single violinist play.
From Shanghai to San Francisco, a few of the best-known buildings were lit in the colours of the French tricolour.
A young woman holds a banner during the vigil.
The organisers said the event had been agreed with councils before hand and called on those attending to remain peaceful. Let’s leave the hate home along with our religions and xenophobic convictions.
Mourners stood in Trafalgar Square in front of The National Gallery – which had projections of the French flag across its facade – at 9pm.
A planned firework display to honour the new mayor of the City of London was also cancelled, and instead Tower Bridge will be illuminated in the colours of the Tricolour.
The only Briton confirmed to have died in the attack has been named as Nick Alexander, 36. Over 100 hostages were taken and later killed by the attackers. “Unfortunately, we know it’s not the first time (for a terror attack) and maybe it’s not the last one”. “We are devastated at the loss of life at the Eagles of Death Metal concert and our thoughts and prayers are with the band and their fans”.
The father of a French family visiting NY City this week said he was touched by all of the outpouring of support.
At London’s St Pancras global station, terminal for the Eurostar train service to Paris and other continental destinations, at least a dozen police officers patrolled the concourse, a few carrying arms.
There was a strengthened police presence in the United Kingdom, and Mr Cameron warned of possible attacks on British soil.
A spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said: “The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured”.
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“They were not seeking to harm anyone”.
